Coriander Seeds Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

There might be a possibility of finding a sea without any fish, but of finding an Indian kitchen without coriander? Near to none. We all love this herb to the limit that there could be no such curry that we can’t make it a part of. And just as this heaven-like smelling herb gets used much, so get its seeds.

Coriander seeds and their powder are a dear part of the Great Indian Spice-box. And for all the right reasons. Not only do coriander seeds elevate the overall taste, but they also offer numerous health benefits. There was a reason it was made a part of Ayurvedic tradition. 

Today, we’ll explore all the potential coriander seeds benefits, how to consume them, and precautions to take. Let’s pick now, one by one.

Coriander Seeds Benefits

1. May Strengthen Digestion

 Coriander extracts are widely used traditionally as appetite stimulators. So, if you are suffering from poor appetite, give these seeds a try. However, these seeds do much more for digestive health.^[1]

Intake of coriander seeds or their oil can benefit in

• Bloating
• Gas
• Pain or discomfort

People with IBS have been found to get relief after consuming coriander seeds over 8 weeks. This happens due to the numerous beneficial plant compounds it contains. ^[2]

Coriander seeds or their oil can even accelerate and enhance your digestive power. ^[3]

In Ayurveda, coriander seeds are used as medicine to treat certain ailments

2. Rich in Antioxidants 

Immunity is not only about fighting external diseases but also internal ailments. Its strength decides how smoothly we sail through life. And coriander seeds benefits in this as well.

Coriander seeds possess strong antioxidant properties. These antioxidants offer a few set of benefits to our bodies:

• These antioxidants fight off free radicals that stay present in our bodies and damage cells. The end result is protected health and a longer lifespan
• The power and potency of the eyes, brain, skin, digestive system, and numerous other organs get enhanced.
• Certain antioxidants even offer anti-inflammatory properties. This means that joint pain, muscle pain, and other sort of pain due to swelling stays in control

Coriander seeds show these benefits due to several compounds present, such as:

• Tocopherols
• Terpinene
• Quercetin
• Geraniol, etc.

The beauty is such that one study found it to be fantastic at helping fight off certain autoimmune diseases. ^[4][5]

3. May Help in Improving Heart Health

The human heart does not get the kind of care and attention it deserves. Rising stress, falling diet, sedentary lifestyle, each of these things are contributing to its poor health. And the worrying thing is that the heart does not give open signals of its sick health. The solution is to embrace health-enhancing foods such as coriander seeds.

Coriander seeds benefit the human heart in several ways:

• Firstly, it can lower blood pressure, which is never a good thing for the heart. ^[6]
• Secondly, it can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body, which blocks blood vessels ^[7]
• And lastly, it can help you reduce your sodium intake. Higher sodium intake can sag your heart’s health

All these things together support overall heart health. 

Consuming coriander seeds can even increase good cholesterol (HDL) in your body.  ^[8]

One study found that the intake of coriander seeds and other spices reduced the chances of heart diseases as compared to the high salt-and-sugar Western diet. ^[9]

In America, coriander leaves are called cilantro. However, in India, both leaves and seeds are referred to as coriander

4. May Protect Brain Cells 

All that we know of coriander is that it blesses our tongues. But coriander and brain? Well, yes. 

The antioxidants found in coriander seeds can help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to damage and degeneration of brain cells. ^[10]

Additionally, these seeds may help in balancing neurotransmitters and reducing negative emotions, contributing to overall mental well-being. Including coriander seeds in your diet could be a natural way to support brain health, enhance cognitive function, and promote emotional balance. 

Also, intake of coriander can reduce anxiety and stress. One reason is surely its pleasing smell, but another is its anxiolytic property. Anxiety is quite infamous for its negative impact on mood, memory, and immunity as well. ^[11]

5. May Balance Blood Sugar

Blood sugar spikes have become common these days. Walk a meter and you might meet a person with insulin issues. Low on energy, excess weight, inability to move freely, and other terrible things.

Coriander seeds and their oil can work well in lowering blood sugar levels. And its potency is so much that if you are on blood sugar medications, you must mind its consumption. This happens due to its impact on promoting an enzyme activity that removes sugar from the blood. ^[12]

One study found that coriander seeds’ impact on blood sugar was equal to that of a blood sugar medicine called glibenclamide. Another study proved this positive effect as well. ^[13][14]

So, if insulin is something that you have no good terms with, coriander seeds can help you restore that same old bonding.

6. May Knock down Infections

We naturally suffer from numerous types of infections throughout our lives. However, coriander seeds help us fight these infections by strengthening our immunity. There are certain areas where it directly leaves its impact. 

Coriander seeds can help fight certain foodborne illnesses caused by several bacteria such as salmonella. This is crucial, considering that salmonella can sometimes cause life-threatening situations. ^[16]

Also, if you suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs), then go to your kitchen and look for these seeds. This is because coriander seeds and extract are helpful against bacteria-causing UTIs. ^[17]

7. May Soothe Skin Sensitivity

If you are someone who suffers due to extreme skin sensitivity, then coriander seeds and its oil can bring some good news down your way. 

One study confirmed that intake of coriander seeds or oil extracted from it each day helped reduce reactivity in women with sensitive skin. ^[18]

Furthermore, coriander seeds can protect you against skin damage from UV radiation. This mainly happens due to its antioxidant activity. As a result, skin ageing gets slowed and experiences grace. ^[19]

It boosts skin health, reduces acne, hydrates, and nourishes the skin from the inside.

8. Anti-inflammatory 

Coriander seeds have anti-inflammatory benefits because they contain compounds like flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds help reduce inflammation and protect our cells from damage. The seeds also have terpenoids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. 

Additionally, coriander seeds can help balance our immune system and protect our stomach from inflammation. So, adding coriander seeds to our diet can naturally help reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being. 

9. Natural Coolant

Coriander seeds have a natural cooling effect on the body, making them especially beneficial during hot weather or to counteract the heat produced by spicy foods. In Ayurveda, coriander seeds are considered to have a balancing effect on Pitta dosha, one of the three doshas or energies believed to govern physiological activity. Excessive Pitta can lead to heat-related issues like inflammation, acidity, and skin problems. Consuming coriander seeds or its infusion can help balance Pitta and reduce its adverse effects.

10. May Help indigestion and bloating

Coriander seeds contain essential oils which have digestive stimulant properties. These oils can help promote the secretion of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food and facilitating better digestion.

Coriander seeds also help in relieving gas and bloating by relaxing the digestive muscles and reducing the formation of gas. This can be particularly helpful for people who experience discomfort due to excessive gas accumulation in the digestive tract. Coriander seeds also possess antispasmodic properties, which means they can help in relieving stomach cramps and spasms by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive system.

Other Benefits

Coriander seeds’ benefits go much beyond the above-written ones. In Ayurvedic tradition, coriander seeds are used extensively to treat several issues. This is the reason Indian cuisine uses spices extensively in each dish possible. All spices serve some benefits. 

Here are some other benefits of coriander seeds:

• These seeds can support healthy menstrual function ^[20]
• They stay loaded with nutritious vitamins and minerals such as K, C, A, Iron, Selenium, etc. ^[21]
• Their sedative potential makes them a wonderful medicine ^[22]
• You may benefit in case of certain fungal infections as well ^[23]

All these benefits make coriander seeds an important spice that must be embraced well. However, caution must always be practised, especially when it comes to medicinal plants.

Also read – Amazing health benefits of Coriander

Coriander Seeds – Precautions, Dose, and How to Take

Because coriander seeds are used medicinally, ensure that you do not consume these in large amounts. This is why you must always take certain precautions, too. 

• If you are on blood sugar-lowering medications, consult your doctor before taking these seeds.

Know that we are discussing extract here. If you are consuming coriander seeds, the dose will go a bit up.

Apart from that, there are no special precautions to take. And now, how do you consume coriander seeds? 

The best way to consume coriander seeds is to mix them in your dishes. Not only will it elevate the taste but also your health. As an Indian, chances are that you must already be using it in tadkas. 

Another wonderful way to harness their health-enhancing potential is by soaking them overnight and drinking that water in the morning. Simple and brilliant! 

Conclusion

Wrapping this coriander chronicle up, we can safely say that this tiny seed is a hidden wellness wonder.  Besides its tempting taste and smell that could ordain even those on fasting, coriander seeds offer a treasure trove of health benefits.  

From sugar control to immunity fortification, coriander seeds can significantly enhance our well-being. Not just this – coriander seeds also protect the skin, brain, digestive system, and even the heart. 

However, remember, moderation is key, especially if you’re on blood sugar medication. So, embrace the coriander seed, sprinkle it on your dishes, and let its goodness do its magic!

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